From top picks like Dom Pérignon, Krug, and Veuve Clicquot, explore the 5 best Champagnes to celebrate the holidays in 2024. Dive into detailed tasting notes, perfect food pairings, and expert tips on choosing and serving the finest bottles for weddings, New Year’s Eve, and life’s biggest moments. Elevate your celebrations with the best luxury Champagnes of the year!
Few things in life can turn an ordinary moment into an extraordinary one quite like Champagne. The allure of Champagne—its effervescent bubbles, complex aromas, and centuries-old traditions—has made it the drink of choice for celebrations worldwide. As we head into 2025, there are several exceptional Champagnes that stand out for their craftsmanship, flavor, and elegance. Whether you’re toasting to a new year, a wedding, or simply life itself, here are the five best Champagnes to elevate any celebration.
1/ Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013
The Epitome of Luxury and Precision
Dom Pérignon, one of the most recognized and prestigious names in the Champagne world, consistently delivers excellence with each release. The 2013 vintage continues its tradition of perfection, marked by unique weather conditions that gave the grapes a distinct flavor profile. Made primarily from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the 2013 vintage has spent nearly a decade aging, resulting in a Champagne that is both rich and refined.

Why it’s a must-have
- Tasting Notes: The Dom Pérignon 2013 offers a delicate bouquet of white flowers, apricots, and peach. On the palate, you’ll experience the vibrancy of citrus mingled with brioche and almond notes, showcasing its long aging process.
- Perfect For: Extravagant events like weddings, galas, and anniversaries, where elegance and sophistication are paramount.
- Food Pairing: This Champagne pairs beautifully with seafood dishes like lobster or oysters, as well as soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert.
- Price: $200 – $250, making it a true indulgence but one that promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
2/ Krug Grande Cuvée 170th Edition
A Symphony of Flavors from the Champagne Region
Krug has long been considered the pinnacle of non-vintage Champagnes, with a focus on creating blends that highlight the best of each harvest year. The Krug Grande Cuvée 170th Edition is no exception. Blended from over 120 individual wines, some of which are aged for up to 15 years, this Champagne offers unparalleled depth and complexity. The Grande Cuvée embodies Krug’s philosophy of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Why it’s a must-have
- Tasting Notes: Expect layers of flavor—ripe citrus, orchard fruits like apple and pear, almond, and subtle hints of spice. The bubbles are fine and elegant, carrying flavors of honey, nuts, and baked bread, making it both rich and fresh.
- Perfect For: Special gatherings, from intimate dinner parties to New Year’s Eve celebrations, where sharing a bottle with close friends makes the moment memorable.
- Food Pairing: This versatile Champagne pairs well with everything from foie gras and roasted chicken to more complex dishes like mushroom risotto or truffle-based appetizers.
- Price: $250 – $300, a reflection of its artisanal production and prestigious reputation.
3/ Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2012
A Tribute to Chardonnay’s Elegance
For those who appreciate the elegance of pure Chardonnay, Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2012 is the epitome of refinement. This prestigious cuvée is made exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs region, which is known for producing some of the world’s finest Chardonnay. The 2012 vintage is celebrated for its balance, richness, and potential for aging.

Why it’s a must-have
- Tasting Notes: Aromas of white flowers, citrus, and hints of almond dominate the nose. The palate is creamy, with flavors of ripe pear, green apple, and a touch of vanilla, underscored by a vibrant acidity that leads to a refreshing finish.
- Perfect For: Sophisticated gatherings like corporate events or upscale dinner parties where elegance and taste take center stage.
- Food Pairing: Its crisp acidity makes it an excellent companion to delicate dishes like sushi, sashimi, or grilled scallops. It also pairs wonderfully with light poultry or vegetarian dishes like creamy pasta with truffle oil.
- Price: $160 – $180, a superb value for a Blanc de Blancs of this quality.
4/ Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015
Celebrating Bold Women and Bold Flavors
La Grande Dame is not only a tribute to Madame Clicquot, one of the most influential women in Champagne history, but it also embodies the bold, Pinot Noir-driven style that Veuve Clicquot is known for. The 2015 vintage features a blend that is 90% Pinot Noir, giving it a rich body and a structured, yet elegant profile.

Why it’s a must-have
- Tasting Notes: On the nose, you’ll find a bouquet of peach, apricot, and citrus zest, with secondary aromas of toasted almonds and ginger. The palate is lively and fresh, with notes of red berries, honey, and subtle spice.
- Perfect For: Celebrating life’s milestones—whether it’s a retirement party, a promotion, or a milestone birthday.
- Food Pairing: The structure of this Champagne pairs well with richer dishes such as roast duck, veal, or even decadent desserts like crème brûlée.
- Price: $180 – $230, making it a luxurious choice for any grand occasion.
5/ Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut 2008
An Unrivaled Expression of Time and Tradition
Bollinger R.D. (Recently Disgorged) Extra Brut 2008 is a Champagne for connoisseurs. It offers a unique experience, as the wine is aged under cork for an extended period and only disgorged right before release. This process allows the Champagne to develop exceptional richness and complexity. The 2008 vintage has been hailed as one of the best in Champagne’s history, and Bollinger’s R.D. is one of the finest expressions of it.

Why it’s a must-have
- Tasting Notes: This Champagne bursts with flavors of ripe stone fruits, spiced apples, and a toasted, nutty richness. It’s full-bodied, with a vibrant acidity and long finish that showcases its depth and aging potential.
- Perfect For: Gourmet dinners or intimate gatherings where the complexity of the wine can be appreciated in a slow, savoring manner.
- Food Pairing: Pair with rich, bold dishes like roasted pork, grilled lobster, or aged cheeses such as Comté or Parmigiano-Reggiano.
- Price: $300 – $350, a premium price for a premium experience.
The Champagne-Making Process: From Grape to Glass
Champagne is a sparkling wine that can only be produced in the Champagne region of France, a distinction protected by the designation of origin system. This ensures that only wines from this specific region, made following strict regulations, can bear the prestigious name “Champagne.” The region’s unique climate, soil, and traditional production methods contribute to the quality and reputation of Champagne, making it one of the world’s most celebrated beverages.
To truly appreciate these exceptional bottles, it helps to understand the meticulous process that goes into creating Champagne. The méthode champenoise, also known as the traditional method, involves a second fermentation that takes place in the bottle, which is responsible for Champagne’s signature bubbles. After the grapes (typically Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier) are harvested, they are pressed and fermented into a still wine. Sugar and yeast are then added to the bottle, causing a secondary fermentation that produces carbon dioxide, creating the sparkling effect.

After fermentation, the bottles are aged in cellars, sometimes for many years, which allows the wine to develop complex flavors. Non-vintage Champagnes are usually aged for at least 15 months, while vintage Champagnes like those listed above are often aged for much longer, some up to 10 years or more.
Finally, during the process known as disgorgement, the sediment that forms during aging is removed, and a small amount of sugar (called dosage) is added to balance the acidity. This dosage determines whether the Champagne will be Brut, Extra Brut, or Demi-Sec (sweeter).
How to Serve Champagne Perfectly
To get the most out of your Champagne during the holidays, here are a few tips for proper serving:

- Temperature: Serve Champagne between 7°C to 10°C (45°F to 50°F). Too cold, and you’ll dull the flavors; too warm, and the bubbles will dissipate quickly.
- Glassware: Use a tulip-shaped glass, which allows the bubbles to rise and the aromas to develop. While flutes are traditional, they don’t showcase the wine’s full bouquet. Also check out XLBoom’s stylish ice bucket and wine coolers in their DIABLO collection for a timeless display.
- Opening the Bottle: Always twist the bottle, not the cork, when opening Champagne. This minimizes the risk of spilling or losing too much fizz.
For expert tips on elevating your next celebration with food pairings, check out Star Sommelier Tom Ieven and Peter Doomen’s guide to perfecting the ‘Champagne & Cheese’ pairing—an essential read for anyone looking to pair bubbly with gourmet cheeses like a pro.
As 2024 comes to an end, these five Champagnes offer a perfect combination of luxury, flavor, and tradition for every occasion. Whether you’re indulging in Dom Pérignon’s iconic vintage or savoring the bold flavors of Bollinger’s R.D., these bottles promise to transform any celebration into a truly memorable experience.
Do you want to discover more delicious drinks? Visit our PureFood page
Choose wisely, pop the cork, and let the bubbles carry you through the year’s most important moments. Cheers !